Veteran singer-songwriter and political activist Billy Bragg will play the first night of the four day festival taking place from July 25 to 28 at Warwick School and the surrounding town.

Bragg, who will perform on the Thursday in the main marquee, has been performing and recording for more than 35 years. He was honoured with the PRS Outstanding Contribution to British Music award at the Ivor Novello awards last year.

Among the other acts from around the world performing at the festival – now one of the biggest celebrations of roots music – will be Skerryvore, Karan Casey, Calan, Will Pound & Eddy Jay, Breabach, O’Hooley & Tidow and Nancy Kerr.

And this year there will also be several wellbeing areas on site and at the Unitarian Chapel, where experts will provide free help and advice in areas such as dementia care, Tai Chi and community building.

Festival director Dick Dixon said” “With just a few weeks to go, we are gearing up for a spectacular festival to celebrate our special 40th year.

“If you haven’t booked tickets yet, then I strongly urge you to do so especially for Billy Bragg who will perform on the Thursday in the main marquee. Come along and soak up the atmosphere, sit in the beer tent, join in with the sessions, shop in the craft stalls, learn a new skill, taste street food, or simply relax with friends in the wine and cocktail bar.

“Whatever you enjoy doing, you can be guaranteed that the Festival has something for everyone.”

To mark the 40th anniversary organisers are asking people to send in photographs capturing memories of earlier festivals – from engagements and births, to chance meetings that have sparked musical and personal projects, and generations growing up with the festival.

Email images to info@warwickfolkfestival.co.uk or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/warwickfolkfestival

* Festival organisers are also delighted to have been awarded funding from Art’s Council England to help them continue to develop and promote the festival in the future, building on its 40 year heritage.

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